Catholic theology, which had remained unchanged for centuries, experienced a significant transformation in its methodology following the Second Vatican Council, in no small way influenced by Gutiérrez.
Robert S. Bennett was known as one of Washington's most important lawyers. He also was an influential Catholic who lent credibility to the U.S. bishops' efforts to fight clergy abuse and supported charitable causes.
By the time people were finally ready to listen to Sinéad O'Connor's message, the world's cruelty had run her down. Kaya Oakes calls for listening to other wounded women who are demanding justice in our broken world.
Daniel Ellsberg will be remembered as the father of all whistleblowers, but to fellow peace activist Fr. John Dear, he was a holy prophet, calling all Americans to repent of the mortal sin of war and nuclear preparations.
The co-founder of a ministry to abuse survivors recalls a friend who struggled with depression but never lost his faith. Luis A. Torres Jr. died March 30 at the age of 58.
Teresia Mbari Hinga, who died March 31, was a theologian and a human being who embodied Spirit-centered paradoxes and called the academy, church and world to take seriously the transformative power of conversion.
Appreciation: As a psychologist, then-Fr. Pat Nidorf recognized the limits of the church's approach to homosexuality and he began a group in 1970, "to bring dignity into the spiritual and social lives of some very special people."
Appreciation: Reporter Patricia Lefevere was an editor's dream, ready to go anywhere on a moment's notice and eager to talk to as many people as she could to get the story, remembers retired NCR editor Tom Roberts.
The dynamic, groundbreaking Dolores Curran arrived in heaven on Dec. 4. At a time when the U.S. church was dominated by priests and religious, she introduced the then-shocking notion that laity might also play a part.
